Hi mummies

I was hoping for a bit of advice. Dylan is 16 months old and is having sooo many tantrums. He headbutts the floor/wall/me/Daddy and screams and arches his back. He "flips" himself out of his car seat and pushchair when I try and put him in them too! This tends to happen when I have had to stop him doing something he was enjoying, something is out of his reach or a toy he has been playing with has fallen over (even though I know he can just pick it up again!).

I've heard that you should just ignore them but then on the other hand I've also read that under the age of 2 you should help them through it as they are too young to be doing it for attention or to get "their own way".... I'm confused.

Sometimes for example, I cannot ignore him because he is annoyed that I've stopped him throwing himself in a river! If I ignore him he'll just go ahead and jump in!!

He is walking and running no problem but not really even close to talking (which I'm not at all worried about, but think it may be adding to his frustration!)

Any advice - greatly accepted!
Thanks
xxx

I think it is normal at this age as they don't understand why they can't continue doing what the want. My boy is almost 15 months and although his tantrums aren't bad (he just cries his little heart out) I have the same problem as you. Water is the worst. I took him to the beach thinking he could run around have a blast and it ended up in tears because all he wanted to do was go into the sea.

I try really hard to distract him with something I know he will enjoy instead of just ignoring him as I also believe he is too young to be doing it just for attention. I don't think you should just let them go back to the thing that want though as they will then learn the tantrum works.

I have to say i dont believe they are not doing it for attention if they are under 2. My son is 19 months old - will have a screaming paddy stop and look at me to make sure im watching and carry on - Cheeky or what! Its a tough one though as i am still struggling to find the best way to handle these!
Good luck
xx